l at home.

"As to health, the masther, and misthress, and the childher, are all
mighty well," replied Tim; "and Misthress Nora is as bright and blooming
as a May morning in the `old country,' and as tall almost as you,
Masther Barry--not a young lady in the land to equal her. And Masther
Gerald is as fine a boy as you can set eyes on for his age in any part
of the country: he can handle a rifle or paddle a canoe as well as any
Indian. And the rest, who were mere babies when you went away, are now
grown into fine, hearty childher. But, to tell you the truth, I would
rather see the masther wear a more cheerful countenance than he does.
He's throubled about the times, which are unquiet enough, it must be
owned; though we have never yet had a visit from the Spanish troops,
it's more than we can say when they may be upon us."

Tim gave us much more information about the state of affairs at home
than I need here repeat, and answered numerous questions which Uncle
Denis put to him, after we had reached our quarters. We found about a
hundred and fifty soldiers garrisoning the fort, the commandant of which
received us very civilly, and offered us a room in the house he
inhabited; while Tim took charge of our baggage, and saw it safely
stowed away. Uncle Denis wished to have the boat properly repaired
before she returned, although the crew declared that she was quite fit
to make the passage back to the schooner.

As soon as my uncle had gained the information he required, and had
written his despatches to the captain, they put off, with such
provisions as we were able to obtain for them,--having also filled their
breaker with water. Whether they got back we could not ascertain; but I
know that the schooner landed her cargo, which was much wanted by the
patriots. It was not till long after this that I again heard of Captain
Longswill, when he rendered me an essential service, as I shall narrate
in due course.

Tim lost no time in seeking a boat and crew, and making other
preparations for our long river-voyage.

We spent the evening with the commandant, who gave us many interesting
accounts of the war which had long been raging in the country. On the
whole, the patriots had been successful, though the forces of the King
of Spain were better drilled, and were well supplied with arms and
ammunition. The Spaniards had also made an alliance with numerous
Indian tribes; and by spreading among them false reports regarding